User:DrPharmDawg/SkyRem Guide Section1

Skyrim Roleplay Enhancement Mod Guide for Special Edition
(SkyRem Guide)

Changelog   |   Release Date: September 20, 2019

Current Version: 5.3.2

Created and maintained by DrPharmDawg

Last Update: 23:27:29 24 April 2024 (GMT)

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NOTE

UPDATE IN PROGRESS

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Template:TOC right
SkyRem Guide Pages

Home Page
Priority I: Stability <-----
Priority II: Mechanics
Priority III: Content
Priority IV: Aesthetics
Final Steps

SkyRem Guide Support

Discord: Discord Channel for all things SkyRem (Guide and Mods).
Patreon: Support SkyRem development via Patreon.
PayPal: Support with a one-time donation via PayPal.
Trello: See guide development progress on Trello.

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Priority I: Stability

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STEP 1: SETUP

Part A: Start Fresh

The SkyRem Guide assumes a freshly installed, never modified Skyrim Special Edition Version 1.5.97.

Always start with a clean setup when starting or restarting any guide. Sometimes this is the only way to ensure there are no remnants from a previous modding experience gone awry, or left overs that will result in issues later. Unintended changes can happen to your base game files, no matter what you do to keep them untouched. If ever in doubt, start from scratch by removing, re-downloading, and re-installing. While this is a hassle to say the least, the last action prior to Part C below is to create a Backup in anticipation of needing to start over. I strongly discourage skipping this task.

Make sure Steam is not in your Program Files directory. If it is, install it elsewhere. The ideal scenario is on a separate drive from your OS, preferably on a SSD drive. Having Steam installed in your Program Files can lead to issues during the modding process.

With a clean setup, create your INI files, turn off the Steam Overlay, and disable Automatic Updates in Steam as follows:

1. [Launch] Skyrim through Steam to complete setup of INI files, then [Exit] the Skyrim Launcher (but keep Steam open).
2. Click [Steam] and [Settings] in the tool bar.
3. Select the [In-Game] tab and uncheck the [Enable the Steam Overlay while in-game], and click [OK].
4. Navigate to your [Library], right-click [Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition] and select [Properties].
5. Navigate to the [Updates] tab, and under [Automatic Updates], change the drop-down to [Only update this game when I launch it].
6. [Exit] Steam.

For the purpose of this guide, the Creation Kit (CK) will be needed to properly port mods from Legendary Edition (LE) to Special Edition (SE). The CK can also be used to modify plugins and create new mods, though we will not be using it for these functions (out of scope of this guide). If you do not have the CK, or if you are starting with a fresh install:

1. Download and install Bethesda.net Launcher.
2. [Launch] Bethesda.net and click the [CK Icon] on the side bar.
3. [Launch] the CK - when asked to Extract scripts (or unpack), click [YES]. This may take a few minutes. When done, exit CK.
4. Navigate to the Skyrim Folder - you should see the CreationKit.exe now. Create a new text file and name it CreationKitCustom.ini.
5. Copy and paste the lines in the following box into this file, save, and exit.

[General]
bAllowMultipleMasterFiles=1
bAllowMultipleMasterLoads=1

[MESSAGES]
bBlockMessageBoxes=1

Until the Creation Kit Fixes mod is updated to the newest CK release, download and replace the CreationKit.exe with this one: Creation Kit EXE

SSE CreationKit Fixes

• Author: Nukem
• Version: 3.1
• TOOL

MAIN FILE: CK64Fixes Release 3.1

Install: Manually download and extract the files into the Skyrim folder.

Currently, you have a Steam folder that contains Steam and Skyrim SE. In preparation for the next part, complete the following to finish your folder structure.

1. Navigate to the folder in which your Steam folder is located.
2. Create three new folders and name them Tools, Mod Organizer 2, and Backup.

You should have a folder (root) that looks something like this:

This PC > Game (E:)
  Backup
  Mod Organizer 2
  Steam
  Tools

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Part B: Modding Tools

Mod Organizer 2

• Author: Tannin-MO2 Team
• Version: 2.3.2
• TOOL

MAIN FILE: Mod Organizer 2 (Archive)

Install: Manually download and extract to the Mod Organizer 2 folder. Run MO2, selecting [Portable] when prompted. Choose [Skyrim Special Edition] and [Yes] to allowing MO2 to handle Nexus links.

Setup: Once in MO2, complete the following:
  1. Click the [Configure settings and workarounds] icon (last icon in tool bar; wrench + driver).
  2. Under [General], untick Check for updates.
  3. Under [Paths], change the Downloads if you want downloads going to a different drive/folder.
  4. Under [Workarounds], you can untick Display mods installed outside MO to remove the DLCs if you prefer (I do this as there is no reason to keep them in the left pane).
  5. Enter your login information under the [Nexus] and [Steam] tabs and click [OK]. Allow MO2 to restart if it asks.
  6. Click the [Configure Profiles] icon (ID Card).
  7. Click [Create] and name the new profile Vanilla.
  8. Create a second profile, naming it SkyRem, and exit the [Configure Profiles] function.
  9. Change the current [Profile] by selecting Vanilla in the adjacent drop-down box. You can now delete the Default profile.

Executables: As you setup the tools below, those with an Executable note need to be set up to run through MO2 (and utilize MO2s VFS).
  1. Click the [Configure the executables that can be started through Mod Organizer] icon (two gears).
  2. Click the [+] to add a new executable. Note: LOOT and Creation Kit should already be setup as executables.
  3. Enter the name of the tool in the [Title] field.
  4. Use the [...] to find the tool's executable file for the [Binary] field.
  5. Note any text that should be included in the [Arguments] field.
  6. Click [OK] to add and exit the window, or [Apply] to add and keep the window open to add more executables.

Merge Plugins Hide

• Author: deorder
• Version: ---
• TOOL

MAIN FILE: Merge Plugins Hide

Download: Download by clicking the green button and selecting Download Zip.

Install: Copy all files except LICENSE and README.md inside your Mod Organizer 2 plugins directory. The plugin will be added to the Tools (icon with puzzle pieces) menu.

LOOT

• Author: WrinklyRobot
• Version: 0.16.0
• TOOL

MAIN FILE: LOOT.Installer.exe

Install: Manually download and run the installer. Install to the Tools folder.

SSEEdit

• Author: ElminsterAU and the xEdit team
• Version: 4.0.3
• TOOL

MAIN FILE: SSEEdit

Install: Manually download and extract the file into the Tools folder under SSEEdit.

Automation Tools for TES5Edit

• Author: Mator
• Version: 1.5c
• TOOL

MAIN FILE: Automation Tools

Install: Manually download and extract to the Tools/SSEEdit/Edit Scripts folder.

MXPF - Mator's xEdit Patching Framework

• Author: Mator
• Version: 1.1.0
• TOOL

MAIN FILE: MXPF-a

Install: Manually download and extract the file into the SSEEdit folder in your Tools folder.

Wrye Bash

• Author: Wrye Bash Team
• Version: 307
• TOOL

MAIN FILE: Wrye Bash 307 - Standalone Executable

Install: Manually download and extract the file into the Tools folder under Wrye Bash.

Unofficial Mator Smash Updated

• Author: matortheeternal (Uploaded by chuckseven1)
• Version: 1.0.2-beta9
• TOOL
  UPDATE

MAIN FILE: Unofficial Mator Smash Updated Beta

Install: Manually download and extract the file into the Tools folder under Mator Smash.

Mator Smash Rules

• Author: alazymodder
• Version: .11
• TOOL

MAIN FILE: Mator Smash Rules

Install: Manually download and extract the files into the Tools/Mator Smash/settings/Skyrim folder (do not place the entire folder, but the files within the extracted folder).

Cathedral Assets Optimizer

• Author: G_k
• Version: 5.0.15
• TOOL

MAIN FILE: Cathedral Assets Optimizer

Install: Manually download and extract the file into the Tools folder under Asset Optimizer.

DLL Plugin Loader

• Author: meh321
• Version: 1
• TOOL

MAIN FILE: DLL Plugin Loader v1

Install: Follow the instructions on the Description page (How to install and How to check everything is working correctly) sections.

zEdit

• Author: matortheeternal
• Version: 0.6.5
• TOOL

MAIN FILE: zEdit_v0.6.5_-_Portable_x64.7z

Install: Manually download and extract the file into the Tools folder under zEdit.

Executable: Add zEdit as an executable to MO2.
       Binary = [zEdit.EXE]
       Argument = Leave Blank

Setup: Run zEdit through MO2, select zMerge in the drop-down box, and click [Start Session].
  - Click on the [Edit Settings] (gear) in the upper-right of the tool bar.
  - Click [Integration Settings] and set Mod manager to Mod Organizer 2, MO2 instance to Portable, and set the paths fields.
  - Click [Merge Settings] and set the output path to the MO2 [mods] folder. Leave the Integrations options unchecked.
  - Click [Archive Creation Settings] and enter 999999 in the Minimum files per archive field and make sure both advanced options are unchecked.
  - Click [OK] and exit zEdit.

Synthesis

• Author: Noggog
• Version: 0.13.1
• TOOL

MAIN FILE: Synthesis.exe

Install: Manually download and place the file into the Tools folder under Synthesis.

Executable: Add Synthesis as an executable to MO2.
    Binary = [Synthesis.exe]
    Argument = Leave Blank

Note: Run Synthesis through MO2 to initialize it and ensure you have the required files. Download and install any requirements using the links in the pop-ups (DotNet SDKs, etc.)

xLODGen

• Author: Sheson
• Version: beta 64
• TOOL

MAIN FILE: xLODGen
OPT FILE: SSE-Terrain-Tamriel.esm (Located further down the page under Recommended Optionals)

Install: Manually download and extract to the Tools folder under xLODGen.

Install: Install the optional file SSE-Terrain-Tamriel.ESM as a mod in MO2. You can do this by creating a folder in your MO's Mods folder named SSE-Terrain-Tamriel and moving the downloaded ESM file to this folder. Do not activate it at this time. It should only be active when using xLODGen to generate LODs.

Executable: Add xLODGen as an executable to MO2.
       Binary = [xLODGenx64.EXE]
       Argument = [-sse -o"X:\Mod Organizer\Mods\xLODGen Output"]

Executable: Add xLODGen Occlusion as an executable to MO2.
       Binary = [xLODGenx64.EXE]
       Argument = [-sse -o"X:\Mod Organizer\Mods\xLODGen Occlusion Output"]

Dynamic Distant Objects LOD - DynDOLOD

• Author: Sheson
• Version: 2.85
• TOOL

MAIN FILE: DynDOLOD

Install: Manually download and extract to the Tools folder under DynDOLOD.

Executable: Add TexGen as an executable to MO2.
       Binary = [TexGenx64.EXE]
       Argument = [-sse]

Executable: Add DynDOLOD as an executable to MO2.
       Binary = [DynDOLODx64.EXE]
       Argument = [-sse]

Skyrim Script Extender (SKSE)

• Author: Ian Patterson, Stephen Abel, Paul Connelly, and Brendan Borthwick (ianpatt, behippo, scruggsywuggsy the ferret, and purple lunchbox)
• Version: 2.0.19
• TOOL

MAIN FILE: Current SE build 2.0.19 (runtime 1.5.97)

Install: Extract the files and move the following to your Skyrim folder:
  skse64_1_5_97.dll
  skse64_loader.exe
  skse64_steam_loader.dll

Install: Return to the extracted files and Archive the Data folder. Install this as a new mod through MO2 (second icon in the menu bar). Name the mod SKSE Scripts.

ENB Series Binaries

• Author: Boris Vorontsov
• Version: 0.448
• TOOL

MAIN FILE: v0.448

Install: In the WrapperVersion directory, copy the d3d11.DLL and d3dcompiler_46e.DLL files to the Skyrim folder.

Rudy ENB SE for Cathedral Weathers

• Author: Rudy102
• Version: 2.0
• TOOL

MAIN FILE: Rudy ENB SE for Cathedral Weather

Install: Manually download and extract the files into the Tools folder under Rudy ENB.

Setup: Navigate to the !Cathedral Weathers Version >> [Skyrim SE Folder] folder, and copy enbseries.ini, enblocal.ini, and the enbseries folder to the Skyrim folder.
       Navigate to the ADDONS >> !Lighting mods and Night Eye ENB Fix (use only one) >> Normal Game >> If you use Relighting Skyrim folder, and copy the enbseries folder to the Skyrim folder (allow to overwrite the previous files).

BethINI

• Author: DoubleYou
• Version: 3.5
• TOOL

MAIN FILE: BethINI Standalone Version

Install: Install in the Tools folder.

Setup: Do NOT run BethINI inside MO (do not setup an executable). MO should be completely closed before running BethINI. Under the first tab (Setup), make sure the correct profile is selected under INI Path. If not, select the one you want to work on and allow BethINI to reload before moving on to the steps below.

  1. Basic: Click [Default]. After the Default settings load, click [Medium]. After the Medium settings load, select BethINI Presets and check the Recommended Tweaks.
  2. Set the remaining tabs up as pictured below.

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

  3. Select the [Custom] tab.
  4. Set [Interface] >> [fBookOpenTime] to 200.0000 and click [Save].
  5. Return to the Basic tab and click [Save and Exit].

With the base Skyrim.INI and SkyrimPrefs.INI set, find the SKSE Scripts in MO2's left pane, right-click, and select [Open in Explorer]. Create a new folder named [SKSE] and open it. Create a file and name it SKSE.INI. Copy and paste the following into the new file, save and close.

[Display]
iTintTextureResolution=2048

[General]
ClearInvalidRegistrations=1

Cleaning The Masters

The following procedure will clean your master files (or other files that require cleaning). This process will be used several times through the modding process. Typically, you will not need to back up anything, but for the purpose of keeping your Skyrim folder as clean (and vanilla) as possible, we will be doing this here.

1. Copy and paste to the desktop the Update.ESM, Dawnguard.ESM, Hearthfire.ESM, and Dragonborn.ESM files in the Skyrim/Data folder (this is temporary).
2. In MO, use the Executables drop-box to select [SSEEdit QuickAutoClean] and and click [Run].
3. Select ONLY the Update.ESM and click [Run].
4. Once you see the message Quick Clean mode finished, you can exit.
5. Restart [SSEEdit QuickAutoClean] and repeat for each of the remaining 3 ESMs above. Complete one at a time.

Complete cleaning of Dawnguard

1. Launch [SSEEdit] (not the QuickAutoClean) and load only Dawnguard.ESM.
2. Navigate in the left pane to: [Cell] >> [Block 5] >> [Sub-Block 3] >> [00016BCF].
3. Remove the [XEZN] record by clicking on it in the right pane and selecting [Remove].
4. Navigate in the left pane to: [Cell] >> [Block 2] >> [Sub-Block 1].
5. Right click [0001FA4C] in the left pane and [Remove] the entire record.
6. Navigate in the left pane to: [Cell] >> [Block 8] >> [Sub-Block 1].
7. Right click [0006C3B6] in the left pane and [Remove] the entire record.
8. Exit SSEEdit, saving Dawnguard.ESM.

Create a Cleaned Masters mod and move the Vanilla files back to the Data folder.

1. Navigate to the Data folder with the files you just cleaned. Select these 4 files and create an archive.
2. In MO2, click [Install a new mod from an archive] icon (second icon), and open the archive you just created. Name the mod Cleaned Masters.
3. Move the backup files back to your Data folder (overwrite), and delete the archive in the Data folder.

If you open MO2 now, you should see the SKSE Scripts and Cleaned Masters mods in the left pane.

Making A Backup

To prevent having to restart from scratch [again], this is a good time to create a complete backup of everything up to this point. If something goes wrong, this will be your restore point. Backup the entire /Steam/SteamApps/Common/Skyrim Special Edition/ folder, and place the archive in your Backup folder, naming it Skyrim Vanilla Backup. I also recommend doing the same for your Mod Organizer 2 folder and your Tools folder, resulting in 3 backup files in the Backup folder.

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Part C: Base Mods

SKSE Scripts

Note: Place the SKSE Scripts mod completed earlier here and [Activate] it.

.NET Script Framework

• By: meh321
• Version: 14

MAIN FILE: NetScriptFramework SkyrimSE v14

SSE Engine Fixes (skse64 plugin)

• By: aers - Nukem - Ryan
• Version: 5.4.1
• CUSTOM

MAIN FILE: (Part 1) Engine Fixes
MAIN FILE: (Part 2) Engine Fixes - skse64 Preloader and TBB Lib

Note: Install Part 1 as any other mod. Extract Part 2 to your Skyrim folder.

Bug Fixes SSE

• By: meh321
• Version: 2

MAIN FILE: Bug Fixes SSE

Cleaned Masters

Note: Place the Cleaned Masters mod completed earlier here and [Activate] it.

Unofficial High Definition Audio Project

• By: sharrken
• Version: 1.0

MAIN FILE: Music HQ
MAIN FILE: Voices EN - Part 1
MAIN FILE: Voices EN - Part 2

Note: Optional: Open skyrim.ini and replace the existing [sResourceArchiveList2] line with the one below. This will allow you to deactivate (hide) the plugins (.esp files).

sResourceArchiveList2=Skyrim - Voices_en0.bsa, Skyrim - Textures0.bsa, Skyrim - Textures1.bsa, Skyrim - Textures2.bsa, Skyrim - Textures3.bsa, Skyrim - Textures4.bsa, Skyrim - Textures5.bsa, Skyrim - Textures6.bsa, Skyrim - Textures7.bsa, Skyrim - Textures8.bsa, Skyrim - Patch.bsa, UHDAP - MusicHQ.bsa, UHDAP - en0.bsa, UHDAP - en1.bsa, UHDAP - en2.bsa, UHDAP - en3.bsa, UHDAP - en4.bsa

Unofficial Skyrim Special Edition Patch

• By: Unofficial Patch Project Team
• Version: 4.2.4b
• CORE
  UPDATE

MAIN FILE: Unofficial Skyrim Special Edition Patch

Cleaned Skyrim SE Textures

• By: kartoffel
• Version: 1.2

MAIN FILE: Kart_CSSET_Overwrite

Alternate Start - Live Another Life

• By: Arthmoor
• Version: 4.1.4
• UPDATE

MAIN FILE: Alternate Start - Live Another Life

Cutting Room Floor

• By: Arthmoor
• Version: 3.1.9
• CORE
  UPDATE

MAIN FILE: Cutting Room Floor

Part D: SKSE Plugins

Address Library for SKSE Plugins

• By: meh321
• Version: 2

OPT FILE: Database for 1.5.97.0

Alternate Conversation Camera

• By: NasiGorengCumi
• Version: 2.4.4
• CUSTOM

MAIN FILE: Alternate Conversation Camera

Better Combat Escape - SSE

• By: Maxsu
• Version: v0.83
• NEW

MAIN FILE: Better Combat Escape - SSE V0.83

Better Jumping SE

• By: meh321 and z65536
• Version: 1.7.1
• CUSTOM

MAIN FILE: Better Jumping SE

ConsoleUtilSSE

• By: Ryan
• Version: 1.2.0

MAIN FILE: ConsoleUtilSSE

SSE Display Tweaks

• By: SlavicPotato
• Version: 0.4.7
• CUSTOM

MAIN FILE: SSE Display Tweaks

ENB Helper SE

• By: aers
• Version: 1.5

MAIN FILE: ENB Helper SE 1.5 for SSE 1.5.97

Encounter Zones Unlocked SE

• By: underthesky and z65536
• Version: 1.4

MAIN FILE: Encounter Zones Unlocked SE

Experience

• By: zax
• Version: 1.2.0
• CUSTOM

MAIN FILE: Experience

FileAccess Interface For Skyrim SE Scripts - FISSES

• By: TerenceYao
• Version: 1.3.7

MAIN FILE: FileAccess Interface for Skyrim SE Scripts - FISSES

SSE FPS Stabilizer

• By: Shizof
• Version: 1.1.2

MAIN FILE: SSE FPS Stabilizer - MAIN FILE

Fuz Ro D-Oh - Silent Voice

• By: shadeMe
• Version: 1.7

MAIN FILE: Fuz Ro D'oh

I'm Walkin' Here

• By: Ryan
• Version: 1.5.0

MAIN FILE: I'm Walkin' Here

Inventory Functions SE

• By: Quad2Core
• Version: 0.07.00

MAIN FILE: Inventory Functions SE

Item Durability

• By: meh321
• Version: 3
• CUSTOM

MAIN FILE: Item Durability v3

More Informative Console

• By: Linthar
• Version: 0.34

MAIN FILE: More Informative Console for SKSE

Mum’s the Word

• By: Ryan
• Version: 1.2.1
• CUSTOM

MAIN FILE: Mum’s the Word

No Grass In Objects

• By: meh321
• Version: 6

MAIN FILE: Grass Control v5

NPC AI Process Position Fix - SSE

• By: Maxsu
• Version: 4.03
• UPDATE

MAIN FILE: NPC AI Process Pos Fix-SSE-V3.01b

PapyrusUtil SE - Modders Scripting Utility Functions

• By: exiledviper meh321
• Version: 3.9

MAIN FILE: PapyrusUtil SE - Scripting Utility Functions

Skyrim Skill Uncapper

• By: Kassent
• Version: V1.1.0

MAIN FILE: Skyrim Skill Uncapper

Note: Change the path for SkyrimUncapper.dll to Data\DLLPlugins\ (default is Data\SKSE\Plugins). You may need to create the DLLPlugins folder.

Spell Perk Item Distributor

• By: powerofthree
• Version: 4.1
• UPDATE

MAIN FILE: Spell Perk Item Distributor - 4.1

Stagger Direction Fix - SSE

• By: Maxsu
• Version: v0.96
• NEW

MAIN FILE: Stagger Direction Fix-SSE V0.96

Stay At The System Page - Updated

• By: Ryan - iammitochondrion
• Version: 1.5.0

MAIN FILE: StayAtSystemPageSE

To Your Face SE And VR

• By: underthesky and xILARTH
• Version: 1.0h

MAIN FILE: To Your Face SE

Uninterrupted Ethereal Form

• By: meh321
• Version: 2

MAIN FILE: Uninterrupted Ethereal Form v2

Uninterrupted Invisibility

• By: meh321
• Version: 2

MAIN FILE: Uninterrupted Invisibility v2

WARNING

Complete the Priority Checks below before moving to the next Step

STEP 1 CHECK

• REMINDER: Double check that all tagged mods have been appropriately extracted (
  BSA
  ), optimized (
  CAO
  ), ESLified (
  ESL
  ), compacted and ESLified (
  COMPACT
  ), ported (
  PORT
  ), and/or cleaned (
  CLEAN
  ).

VERIFY: Ensure your counts are as follows (if following the guide 100%).
- Mods: 37
- Plugins: 9 (ESMs = 7, ESPs = 2, ESMs + ESPs = 9, ESLs = 0)

LOOT: Run LOOT to sort your plugins.

TEST:
- Launch Skyrim via SKSE and make sure the game loads and starts just fine. Make sure you can start a game using your preferred alternate start.
- Frolic about (test Better Jumping) and interact with some citizens (test Alternative Conversation Camera, To Your Face, I'm Walkin' Here).
- Steal some food and make sure it is not marked stolen, provided you are not seen (test Mum's the Word).

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End of Priority I

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Template:TOC right
SkyRem Guide Pages

Home Page
Priority I: Stability <-----
Priority II: Mechanics
Priority III: Content
Priority IV: Aesthetics
Final Steps

SkyRem Guide Support

Discord: Discord Channel for all things SkyRem (Guide and Mods).
Patreon: Support SkyRem development via Patreon.
PayPal: Support with a one-time donation via PayPal.
Trello: See guide development progress on Trello.

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